WATCH: Lemar Offers Advice To X Factor Hopefuls!

In the world of reality TV and talent shows, fame can be a fickle business, and while many who take part in shows like X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent fade into obscurity, a lucky handful of individuals succeed and break out to become huge stars.

Lemar is without a doubt one of those talent show success stories, having come third on the ill fated BBC show Fame Academy, which only ran for two series before it was axed, Lemar went on to become a huge star with several UK number 1’s, selling over two million albums as well as receiving a clutch of Brit and MOBO awards which is pretty good for someone who placed third on a singing competition!

It just goes to show you that true talent really pays off, and despite losing out on Fame Academy, Lemar turned that failure into success. Entertainmentwise caught up with the singer to get his thoughts on shows like X Factor and The Voice and whether he had some good advice for any young hopefuls hoping to emulate his accomplishments!

“If you want to do X Factor, if you want to be taken seriously afterwards then make sure you do your preparation beforehand.

“You know who you are, if you know you’re a good singer, if you know you like to song write, you know what you want to show and if you want to go on it for a laugh then it just makes the show better anyway!”

Lemar’s fifth studio album ‘Invincible’ will be released later in the year, while the single of the same name will be released on the August 12

ITV have confirmed the start date for X Factor 2012, and will be kicking off on August 18. With Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Louis Walsh and newcomer Nichole Sherizinger on the judging panel, it's set to be another gripping edition of the talent show!